Kufri, the scenic hill station near Shimla, experienced its third major snowfall of the season on Sunday, brightening the winter atmosphere and attracting a surge of tourists. Across Himachal Pradesh, several regions reported rain and snow as an active western disturbance influenced the state’s weather.
Visitors enjoyed the fresh snow with winter activities, while local hoteliers noted an increase in tourist arrivals. High-altitude areas also benefited, with the High Altitude Sports Centre at Shillaroo emerging as a key destination for snow lovers. Local businessman Rajesh Gupta said the snowfall is expected to resume skiing at the twenty-year-old snow sports facility soon.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Shillaroo and Kothi in Kullu recorded the heaviest snow at around 5 cm each, followed by Kufri with 4 cm. Gondhla received 3 cm, Khadrala 2.5 cm, and Sangla 2.1 cm, while Jot and Kalpa reported light snowfall.
Rainfall was mainly recorded in mid- and lower-hill areas, with Manali receiving the highest at 10 mm, followed by Sujanpur Tira (7.8 mm) and Sarahan (7.3 mm). Shimla saw 4.2 mm, while Malraon, Solan, Jubberhatti, Jatton Barrage, Kandaghat, and Chopal reported light to moderate showers.
The wet spell also led to a slight rise in temperatures. Most places saw normal or near-normal minimums, with Tabo in the cold desert remaining the coldest at -3.6°C, almost seven degrees above average. Other minimum temperatures included Shimla (3.6°C), Manali (0.8°C), Kalpa (-0.4°C), Dharamshala (3°C), Solan (4.6°C), Mandi (9.9°C), Una (7.5°C), and Nahan (8°C). Paonta Sahib recorded the highest daytime temperature at around 24°C.
The IMD attributed the conditions to a western disturbance over north Pakistan and an induced cyclonic circulation over north Rajasthan. Himachal Pradesh is expected to continue receiving rain and snow over the coming days. Another western disturbance is forecast to affect northwest India from the night of February 2, followed by a second around February 5, raising hopes of more snowfall in Shimla, Narkanda, Manali, and Dalhousie.
Meanwhile, a lightning strike early Sunday morning in Deothti on the Solan-Sabatu road impacted 55 livestock, including sheep and goats.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
